Joyful Night Celebration set at WV State Capitol

Gov. Tomblin and First Lady Tomblin light the state's holiday tree during the 2012 Joyful Night celebration at the State Capitol. (Photo courtesy of the Governor's office.)

In a special tribute to first responders and members of the military, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will welcome West Virginians to the annual Joyful Night celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3, at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.

As part of the festivities, attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots campaign.

"Whether through a charitable organization like the Marines' Toys for Tots or helping a family in your neighborhood, Joanne and I encourage all West Virginians to give back to your community this holiday season," Tomblin said in a news release.

The evening's events will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the North Plaza of the Capitol with musical selections by the Cabell Midland High School Marching Band and Capital High School Marching Band. It will include a performance by the Appalachian Children's Cantare Chorus of Southern West Virginia, the Princeton Senior High School Marching Band and the Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus.

The Culture Center will be the final stop during the celebration. The Washington Irving Middle School Show Choir will perform in the Great Hall while visitors enjoy light refreshments and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.